Spencer falls to Stratford in first round of regional softball
The Spencer Rockets’ season came to an end when the girls took a loss at Stratford last Wednesday. The WIAA Regional game was rescheduled due to severe weather that impacted the area the previous evening. Although Wednesday was still overcast with on-again, off-again rain, the girls were able to complete the game in between raindrops.
The Spencer girls knew they were in for a challenge, as Spencer was ranked the number-seven seed in their bracket while Stratford was number two. Indeed, the Rockets had a hard time keeping up with their opponent.
The Tigers established a lead early and didn’t look back. Spencer scored no runs in the first inning but Stratford got two. In the second inning, Stratford’s Laney Pankratz struck out two batters right away, walked one and then catcher Emma Roeper caught the ball for the final out. The Tigers then got their bats working, scoring five more runs to put them up 7-0.
In the third, Stratford again held Spencer scoreless. Laney Pankratz struck out the first batter, and Tria Tubbs forced out two runners at first base. In the second half of the inning, players huddled inside their respective dugouts during a brief cloudburst. However, it was short-lived and after about 10 minutes, the rain had slowed to a sprinkle and play resumed. The Tigers got to work, picking up four additional runs, including when Carly Pankratz stole home.
Neither team scored in the fourth inning, but the Tigers were already ahead 11-0. In the top of the fifth, Laney Pankratz struck out two batters and Emerson Roy caught a fly ball to the outfield for the final out of the game. Because the Tigers were already ahead by more than 10 points, that called into effect the rule allowing the game to end after only four and a-half innings.
Stratford advanced to play Edgar on Thursday, also at home.
Spencer coach Heidi Brostowitz highlighted the contributions of the team’s lone senior, Hayly Smith, in emailed comments reflecting on the season.
“Hayly has been a four-year starter for Spencer softball. Her ability to judge a fly ball and make a hard throw are impeccable. Her leadership in the outfield will be greatly missed and very hard to replace in the upcoming season,” wrote Brostowitz.
“Overall the 2024 season was a season of growth and change. The coaching staff – Jenny Wilke, Courtney Buss, Jason Gorst and myself – analyzed some of our stats early on and made a few position changes that differed from our lineup last year. These changes allowed us to optimize each individual athlete’s potential. Making such changes allowed us to compete with several opponents and win seven of our games. Our team is excited to continue developing and competing as we enter our summer season.”
Top left, Spencer’s Keely Schuh gets a walk to first during the May 22 game at Stratford. Top right, Hayly Smith catches a fly ball for the final out of the fourth inning. To left, Hannah Schreiner catches a pop-up hit for an out and to right, she prepares to release a pitch. She struck out one batter. Below left, Ema Schultz picks up a grounder and throws to second for an out. Bottom right, Berklie Ireland pitches.
VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTOS
